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A reoccurring problem of passengers not offering to give up their seat on crowded buses for less able people has promoted calls for drivers to offer assistance.

A 63-year-old regular bus user, who walks with the aid of a crutch, has told how she has regularly experienced having to wait for another bus because fellow passengers have not volunteered to give up their seat.

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“You feel too embarrassed to ask someone if they will move. People see me getting on a bus and they do nothing. Often I say to the driver if no one will stand I will have to get off and the driver will let me get off.

“The other day I was on the bus and I saw pregnant woman with two crutches who had to stand and the driver did nothing.

“I have been told drivers are supposed to ask me if I want them to ask someone to stand on my behalf which is not true as they never do.

Buses in Devon

“I have complained to Stagecoach on many occasions. Their argument is if you have a disability card you can produce it, but I don’t have one as I am not registered disabled.

“Why should I have to send off for an assistance card to ask the driver something which common courtesy should automatically prompt them to ask?”

Stagecoach did not confirm whether or not it has a policy which requires drivers to ask a passengers if they would like their help to ask others to give up their seat, and or to ask passengers to give up their seat, when questioned by Devon Live.

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A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: "We are disappointed to hear of the treatment of this customer by other passengers.

“Unfortunately, as we see in other areas of life, there will inevitably be instances where people are not as considerate to others as we might hope.

"Although the majority of our customers are very helpful and respectful, we would always urge people travelling with us to think of others and show regard for their fellow passengers at all times.

"Our drivers undergo comprehensive customer care training. We also participate in Devon County Council’s Access Wallet assistance card scheme, which allows customers who may require additional assistance to highlight this to our drivers."

Cllr Rosie Denham, Lead Councillor for City Transformation

Exeter city councillor Rosie Denham says she has been in touch with Stagecoach over the issue and says more could be done to offer support to passengers who may need assistance but feel unable or reluctant to ask for help.

She said: “I have been in contact with Stagecoach on a number of occasions about this issue. Stagecoach have stated that if drivers assume a passenger needs help it ‘could result in others being subjected to unnecessary embarrassment or insult as most passengers are happy to deal with this matter of their own accord, or indeed ask the driver for assistance’.

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“However, I think the fear of causing offence is unwarranted. The simple act of asking a passenger if they would like help to find a seat on a crowded service could make all the difference to those who need it and I have asked Stagecoach to look at this again.

“A simple solution might just be for drivers to ask passengers that they think might need help whether they need any assistance to find or get to a seat. I think that’s unlikely to upset anyone.”